Saiyuuki Gaiden

最遊記外伝 / Saiyuki Gaiden

Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Mythology, Shounen
Themes: Mythology
Demographics: Shounen
Studios: Anpro
Producers: Dentsu, Frontier Works, Hakuhodo DY Media Partners, TV Tokyo
Licensors: Sentai Filmworks
Rating: 7.77 / 10
Rank: #1138
Popularity: #5972
Users Listed: 14,403
Users Scored: 4,648
NSFW: No
Last Updated: 08/02/2023
Aired: March 25, 2011 – November 25, 2011 (Winter)
Type: ova
Source: manga
Age Rating: R
Episodes: 3

Synopsis:

Centuries prior to the familiar pilgrimage, beings of divine origin existed within a world mirroring our own. This story follows a group of fallen deities – Konzen Douji, Field Marshal Tenpou, and General Kenren – who find themselves bound to a mortal named Goku. When Goku's uncontrolled fury draws the ire of Heaven, the celestial authorities initiate a campaign for his destruction.

The series explores themes of redemption and the complexities of power as these former gods defy their celestial masters to safeguard Goku. Set against a backdrop of ethereal landscapes and simmering conflict, the narrative delves into the blurred lines between divinity and morality. The characters grapple with their past roles and forge unconventional alliances in a desperate attempt to protect the mortal who has become unexpectedly significant to them. It’s a character-driven story examining duty, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds formed across lifetimes.

Streaming Platforms:

Animekey

Episodes:

Episode 1: Episode 1
Episode 2: Episode 2
Episode 3: Episode 3

Characters:

Douji, Konzen (Main) - Voice Actors: Seki, Toshihiko, Matranga, David
Gensui, Tenpou (Main) - Voice Actors: Ishida, Akira, Hunt, Braden
Son, Gokuu (Main) - Voice Actors: Hoshi, Souichirou, Ayres, Greg
Taishou, Kenren (Main) - Voice Actors: Hirata, Hiroaki, Guardiola, Illich
Bosatsu, Kanzeon (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Calene-Black, Shelley, Igarashi, Rei
Goujun (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Touchi, Hiroki, Anzaldua, Leraldo
Jiroushin (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Ishii, Takao, Swasey, John
Li, Touten (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Inaba, Minoru, Swasey, John
Taishi, Nataku (Supporting) - Voice Actors: Bickham, Clint, Kouda, Kaho

Staff:

Kuzuya, Naoyuki (Director)
KOKIA (Theme Song Lyrics, Theme Song Performance, Theme Song Composition, Theme Song Arrangement)
Harada, Minefumi (Chief Animation Director, Character Design)
Ledford, John (Executive Producer)
Minekura, Kazuya (Original Creator)
Nagashima, Hiroyuki (Music)

Reviews:

User spartakiss (Score: 6/10):
Let me explain. ... No, it is too much. Let me sum up. Kazuya Minekura's Saiyuki is a fabulous manga, but due to publisher switches and long hiatuses, it has never quite made it to the world of animation without some major confusion. The manga is composed of four series: Saiyuki, Saiyuki Reload (which continues from the end of Saiyuki), Saiyuki Reload Blast (which continues from the end of Saiyuki Reload), and a Prequel series called Saiyuki Gaiden which stars the previous incarnations of the series' main characters. Confused yet? We're only getting started. If you are coming to the Saiyuki anime for the first time,the place you'll want to stay is Gensoumaden Saiyuki (or just Saiyuki), the original anime. It is based on Saiyuki (the manga) and includes roughly the first half of Saiyuki Gaiden.nnThe next anime series, chronologically, are Saiyuki Reload and then Saiyuki Reload Gunlock, which cover up to the middle of the Saiyuki Reload manga.nnThese OVAs you're currently on are just the ending of Saiyuki Gaiden. (Likewise, the Saiyuki Bural OVAs are simply a manga arc that was not included in any of the anime series but was a fan favorite so I guess it got OVAs.) nnBasically, tldr, if this is your first taste of Saiyuki in any form, you're gonna be very, very confused. These OVAs are mostly for established fans of the manga.nnThat said, as an established fan of the manga, I've never been satisfied with the anime adaptations. For one thing, as you can see, they're overly confusing and brimming with filler. I also have noticed that Minekura's art seems difficult to adapt to anime--the animation is horrendous at worst, vaguely weird at best. Saiyuki Gaiden is some of the best animation Saiyuki has gotten, but it still looks kind of off, as if her anatomy isn't quite made for moving. Not my favorite.nnThat said, I do recommend the manga whole-heartedly.
User Tetsumine (Score: 8/10):
I highly recommend Saiyuki Gaiden. Story wise the Gaiden arc is amazing and definitely my favorite Saiyuki story. It's by far my favorite prequel and one of the best i've seen. It has a brilliantly touching plot that leaves me crying every time, and the character relationships are heart breaking and beautifully depicted. The Gaiden left a strong impact on me, its the type of story that you keep thinking about hours, even days after you've seen it. The anime however, is not as good as the manga but still a great watch. The Gaiden arc actually starts in Saiyuki episode 40 and 41. So youshould watch those two episodes before watching these OVAs. Other than that it is not necessary to watch Saiyuki or any of the sequels before this, though I suggest you do because the whole series is great :) Saiyuki Burial is next in chronological order.
User Broofy (Score: 9/10):
I have not come to give an analytical review. No, that is not why I’m here. This left me sobbing, I’ve genuinely never been such an emotional wreck before. The story is definitely my favorite in the Saiyuki world, the characters are incredibly well-done. Definitely more bloody than most of the series in general, though given the entire arc as a whole, what did you expect? Given that this was an OVA, the pacing is fast and can be somewhat chaotic if you’re not totally concentrated. Personally, I would recommend watching at least episodes 40 and 41 from the original series. Though if you really wantto be a sobbing puddle on the floor, the whole series. Long story short, I need emotional help now.nnOverall rating: 9

Saiyuuki Gaiden

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